Surname Meßemer - Meaning and Origin
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Meßemer: What does the surname Meßemer mean?
The last name Meßemer is a German surname of ancient origin. It is derived from the old name of the village Mößmühlen, located in the Bavarian province of Upper Franconia. The village was established in the 7th century and the name was originally derived from the German ‘meße’ (measuring or stealing) and German ‘mühle’ (mill). Put together the name Meßemer roughly translates to ‘thiefs mill’ or ‘mill that measures’.
The earliest known reference to the Meßemer family is from the 16th century. At this time a Meßemer family are known to have lived in the Marienberg district of Lower Bavaria. From this core group, the Meßemer family spread and over the following centuries, members of the clan had moved across Germany, investigating all its nooks and crannies.
In the intervening centuries, the Meßemer family has been represented in a variety of professions. Meßemers have been found among farmers, tradesmen, merchants and craftsmen, but also as scholars, scientists, and academics.
The Meßemer name has been found in many variations throughout German speaking countries. Some variations include Messemer, Meßmair, Meßinger, Messing, Messner, and Messer. Despite geographical distance and name variants, Meßemers around the world proudly carry the shared name and honour their common ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisMeßemer: Where does the name Meßemer come from?
Today, the last name Meßemer can be found mainly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg. It is believed to be an occupational name that began in the Ottoman Empire in the 1300s, derived from the Turkish word “mesmerer,” meaning “glassblower.” The name migrated to Central Europe with displaced Turkish glassblowers in the 1700s and 1800s.
The name is also widespread in neighboring countries like France and the Netherlands, where it began to arrive in the 1600s, when families of glassblowers immigrated from what was then known as the Holy Roman Empire.
In the US, the name is rare and may be a variation of the more common Mazer surname. In the 2000 US Census, only 176 people had the name; however, the Mesmerer name in its more Germanized form of Meßemer may be much lower in the US.
In the UK, the name is rare and there are almost no records of it existing prior to the mid-19th century. While the name is more common in the UK today, many of them are descendants of the families that migrated from Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries.
So while the frequency of the name is low in most countries, it is still relatively common in its areas of origin. It is likely to stay within the same densely-populated region for the foreseeable future.
Variations of the surname Meßemer
Meßemer is a German surname with many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants and spellings of Meßemer include Messmer, Meßmer, Messimer, Missimer, Messmaer, Misenbacker, and Mesenberge.
The surname Messmer is derived from the German word "Meßbeer," meaning scribe or secretary. It is thought that the name referred to someone who was a professional scribe or a court official. It is also believed that the name was given to people who had a great knowledge of the law or of writing and recording deeds or contracts for the local village or court.
The surname Misenbacker is thought to have derived from the German word "Mise," meaning "measure," and the German word "Backer," meaning "baker." It is thought that this surname referred to someone who was a baker of measures, or a person who was responsible for ensuring that goods on sale were dealt with according to the correct measurements.
The surname Mesenberge comes from two elements: the German word "Messe," meaning "tradition," and the German word "Berge," meaning "mountain." This surname likely came from a family who lived near a mountain that was known for its traditional festivals.
Finally, the surname Missimer comes from two elements: the German word "Mis," meaning "minstrel," and the German word "Mer," meaning "hard/brave." It is thought that this surname was given to someone who was known for their skill in playing musical instruments or singing.
In conclusion, Meßemer is a German surname with a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames that have derived from the same origin. These include Messmer, Meßmer, Messimer, Missimer, Messmaer, Misenbacker, and Mesenberge. Each of these holds a special meaning and points to a different background and culture for the person who holds it.
Famous people with the name Meßemer
- Friedrich Meßemer: German inventor, who is most famous for his invention of the phantoscope in 1904, a fundamental forerunner of the kinetoscope and movie projector.
- Jesus Meßemer: Post-Impressionist artist, best known for his large-scale landscapes with birds.
- Ralf Meßemer: Contemporary German playwright, best known for his plays expertly depicting life on the fringes of society.
- Daniil Meßemer: A German Expressionist, Daniil Meßemer is best known for his figurative painting and sculpting.
- Rose Meßemer: American nigthclub singer, popular in the 1930's, best known for her rendition of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles".
- Wilhelm Meßemer: German physicist and engineer with a strong interest in mathematical mechanics.
- Ulrich Meßemer: Contemporary German marine biologist best known for his research on deep-sea ecosystems.
- Adam Meßemer: German inventor and aviation pioneer, credited with stating the original framework for vertical takeoff and landings by helicopters.
- Jan Meßemer: German industrial designer, best known for crafting some of Germany's iconic industrial fonts.
- Lars Meßemer: German professional ballet dancer, who has achieved great success as a soloist and actor in various theaters and television shows.